Announcements

Board of Education Appoints New State Librarian

The Board of Education announces the appointment of Stacey A. Aldrich as the new State Librarian. She will fill the position which was vacated by the retirement of Richard Burns as of December 31, 2014.

The candidate was a unanimous recommendation of the selection committee. Ms. Aldrich holds a Master of Library Science and served as the State Librarian of California and the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania.

“Stacey brings a wealth of experience in library leadership and community engagement. She is committed to working with our dedicated staff to reposition our libraries to meet the 21st century needs of our individual communities,” said Board of Education Chairperson Don Horner.

Ms. Aldrich was selected by the Library Journal as one of the top fifty-five professionals “who are shaping the future of libraries” and was awarded the LINK AMERICAS Foundation Knowledge Award for vision and leadership in the area of digital literacy.

Public Librarian of Year and Award Winners Chosen

Friends of the Library of Hawaii (FLH) and co-sponsor Native Books Na Mea Hawaii honored Baron Baroza, Aiea Public Library Branch Manager, as the 2014 Public Librarian of the Year, and Don Ramos, Library Assistant III of Kahuku Public & School Library, as the 2014 Excellence in Service Award winner in a reception and awards ceremony at the Hawaii State Library during the Friends’ annual meeting February 19.

Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association (ALA). HSPLS was among 21 recipients who shared $1.8 million in grants as part of the Smart investing @ your library initiative.

Hawaii taxpayers are invited to make donations to benefit the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) just by checking a box located on their state tax returns. Taxpayers can designate $2.00 from an individual income tax return or $4.00 from a joint return, for the Hawaii Public Libraries Fund. A total of $65,234 was donated to Hawaii’s public libraries during the first half of 2014, which enabled HSPLS to purchase books and other materials for patrons of all ages statewide.

“All Hawaii taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of this easy and effortless opportunity to help your public libraries,” said Interim State Librarian Stacie Kanno. “Thank you to everyone who donated last year and we welcome your continuing support of Hawaii’s public libraries this tax season.”

Since January 2005, Hawaii taxpayers have donated $775,038 to the HSPLS Special Fund. Mahalo nui loa for your continuing support!